New Book - CC Compact

Download “CC Compact Preview” by clicking here (right click and "save link as...")

The full book is available at Bhaktivedanta Manor reception.

We will be having a short course on the CC Compact at Bhaktivedanta Manor – click here for more details.

Throughout cosmic history, Krishna periodically descends to Earth and reveals knowledge of the eternal reality. He re-establishes genuine spirituality and teaches the practical means to develop God consciousness. In 1486, Krishna appeared as Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. While a renaissance of philosophical and theological thought was going on in the world, Shri Chaitanya ushered in a spiritual revolution through His personal interactions, philosophical discourses and most importantly His joyous public chanting and dancing. He established a process of God consciousness that was open to everyone regardless of caste, colour or creed. He went beyond ritualistic worship, dry philosophising, and materialistic piety, instead emphasising the very essence of religion – unmotivated and unconditional love of God.

Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami’s Chaitanya-Charitamrita is considered the most accurate, authentic, and philosophical biography of Shri Chaitanya. At present, however, it remains a relatively unexplored literature. Since the studies of Bhagavad-Gita and Shrimad-Bhagavatam are vast in and of themselves, many neglect the opportunity to bathe in the delightful narrations of Shri Chaitanya’s life. CC Compact does not fully describe each episode of the Chaitanya-Charitamrita, since Shrila Prabhupada’s translation does that perfectly. The key objectives are as follows:

• To present an easy-to-follow overview of Shri Chaitanya’s life.
• To provide a road-map and framework for anyone who desires to explore the Chaitanya-Charitamrita in greater detail.

Above all, this book has been compiled in a spirit of self-improvement, with the ardent desire to increase my meditation on Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. I am far from qualified to write about this elevated subject matter, but my attempt is simply to encourage the reader to approach the original source of knowledge: Krishnadasa’s devotion-filled words translated by Shrila Prabhupada. Please forgive any mistakes I may make, which are likely due to my limited knowledge and lack of spiritual depth.

Read more »

Coming Back Soon

After a month in India, my spiritual vacation is coming to a close. Vrindavana is beautiful, endearing, and we wish we could stay longer and longer. Living here for even a few weeks makes the rest of the world seem like a distant reality. It’s a place where spirituality is naturally woven into the fabric of daily life. Admittedly, however, there were times when I didn’t feel so holy in these sacred surroundings. I wished every day to be a magical experience and amazing revelation, but some days just weren’t. Yet the soul-searching, introspection and awareness of my spiritual deficiencies on those days was rewarding in its own way. As with every spiritual trip, I’m sure I’ll only fully appreciate the extent of these divine gifts once I leave and reflect back on the experience. I hope these sacred impressions will remain etched within the heart, nourishing my enthusiasm for many years to come.

Srila Prabhupada called Vrindavana his home. He lived here for many years in a humble temple which he identified as the “hub of the wheel of the spiritual world”. It’s hard to imagine how, from a remote village so seemingly disconnected from the urban matrix, he singlehandedly masterminded a spiritual revolution which continues to impact mainstream society today. In 1965, he left India as an ambassador of Vrindavana, intent on inviting the whole world back to this most special place. He wanted everyone to experience the magic of Krishna. His unforgettable sacrifice is an unending source of inspiration, and thus we can only hope to do something to assist the realisation of his dream.

This time has been humbling, but simultaneously encouraging. I’m feeling fallen but hopeful. I am becoming more aware of my obstacles, but the ultimate goal is slowly capturing my imagination. I’ve spoken to, observed and heard about the saints, now I’m challenged to renounce my pride, develop that spotless character and follow in their footsteps. I’ve heard hours of insightful lectures and read pages of profound philosophy, now I’m challenged to develop the simplicity and unpretentiousness required to realise that transcendental information. Gratitude for my elders, who performed unthinkable austerities to give us access to such spiritual treasures, has risen to new heights. Now I’m challenged to ‘up the game’ and sacrifice my own easy life to reciprocate with them.

I hope I’ll be granted entrance here again. I hope I’ll come back with a better character. I hope I’ll have some useful report for Srila Prabhupada next time, who may well ask – “what did you do to remind the world about Vrindavana, the eternal home of Krishna?” 

Read more »